How To Build An International Network on Your MBA

A dynamic student community is one of the main advantages of an MBA program, but it can be difficult for international students to participate.

We spoke to faculty and students at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management to find out how to build your own network.

What international students think

Ishita Ghai, MBA student at UC Davis, says living in a small college town can help international students build relationships more easily, both professionally and personally. She also advises them to choose institutions that value collaborative leadership over competition.

She says, “It’s not about you, it’s about everyone together.”

The importance of reaching out

Jessica Moon, Associate Director of Admissions at Davis, advises students to find ambassadors to connect with on schools’ websites. She says that talking to someone with similar interests and skills can help applicants decide which MBA better suits their abilities and aspirations.

Why an online MBA?

Andrea Shaw, Senior Director of Admissions at Davis, says online MBAs can provide international students with a close-knit culture and a supportive faculty.

She says, “We’ve worked really hard to ensure the student experience with our online MBA is exactly the same and mimics that through various resources and opportunities for you to not only learn independently, but also be part of this network”.